Brent Johnson

Brent Johnson earned a high school diploma from the Ninilchik School. He also attended Kenai Peninsula College. His career experience includes being a business owner.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a commercial fisherman who was born in Seldovia and have lived in District 6 my whole life. I've served on numerous commercial fishing groups over the last 40 years. I've also served on the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) Planning Commission 15 years, the KPB Assembly 12 years, the KPB Board of Equalization 10 years and on the Kenai Peninsula College Council 3 years, and local Historical Societies many years. Among the fishing, borough and historical groupsI've been president or chairman no less than 36 years.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Education. Alaska closed 17 public schools in the last two years and ranks 49th in academic achievement. School funding has lagged behind inflation for 15 years. Schools need better funding as one of several changes needed.Fisheries are struggling in many areas of the state. King salmon stocks are weak across Alaska. The Cook Inlet east side setnet fishery that I've fished for 58 years has been closed for 4 years in a row. I want to rebuild fisheries by applying science through research. In the case of the east side setnet fishery, gear changes should allow setnetters to harvest abundant sockeye stocks while protecting weak king salmon stocks.Alaska needs solve a dispute over how the Permanent Fund Dividend is calculated. They should do that by putting some well defined options before the voters. Such votes are advisory, but in a democracy the advice of voters should be followed.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm an advocate for fair voting rights. I want to limit campaign contributions, keep open primaries, and stop "dark Money" from entering Alaska campaigns.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Frank Miller, my junior high/high school math teacher. He was a good teacher, was interesting to talk with and was a positive role model.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, patience and good communication skills.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Do the job! Represent the interests of the people all the time.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I'm not interested in leaving a legacy

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Working on my Mom's commercial fishing setnet site. Seven years, but I now have 58 years of experience setnetting.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Organization.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

One of high respect and openness to discuss, listen and make compromises.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Balancing budgets while still providing adequate services.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Alaska Public Employees Association / American Federation of Teachers.

Alaska State Employees Association Political Action Committee.

American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.

Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates has recommended my campaign

Other organization and individual endorsements are pending.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

I have faint memories of JFK's assassination and the US moon landing. I remember the Watergate events pretty well.

Brent Johnson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.